Sweet 16! Rainy and Lela Miatke, teen singers of Rainy and the Rattlesnakes lead the group singing “Happy Birthday” to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Soda Mountain Wilderness Council has hosted all 16 of the annual celebrations. Dave Willis acknowledged the many folks who have worked on making and caring for the Monument; and what still needs to be done.

Amaroq Weiss, Center for Biological Diversity

Featured speaker Amaroq Weiss, Center for Biological Diversity told about the role of wolves in sustaining healthy ecosystems; and the need for science-based information in resource policymaking. People have the control of a cascade effect in our relationships to land, plants and animals. With increased population, encroaching development and climate change, scientists report that the Monument needs better protection.

Soda Mountain Wilderness Council hikes: Sunday, June 12: Southern Oregon University biologist Michael Parker will lead a scramble up Vulture Rock. Email parker@sou.edu to sign up. Saturday, June 18: Botanist John Villella will lead a top-to-bottom, shuttled hike to explore the east end of Grizzly Peak Preserve. Email Alison Kling at sodamtnwild@yahoo.com to sign up.